Dhaka, 6 August 2024 (TDI): Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday issued release orders for jailed ex-prime minister and top opposition leader Khaleda Zia, hours after PM Hasina Wajid resigned and fled the country.
A press release from the President’s Office said the “meeting held unanimously decided to release Bangladesh National Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
“Additionally, it was decided to release all detainees who were arrested in various cases related to the student against discrimination movement and recent incidents. There was also a strong consensus to ensure that communal harmony is not disrupted in any way,” the presser issued in the Bangla language added.
The development comes hours after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid resigned and fled to India on a military helicopter following violent street protests.
Read more: Bangladesh Prime Minister Shaikh Haseena Wajid Resigns
According to Dhaka Tribune, the longest-serving Bangladeshi prime minister could not record a speech as hundreds of thousands of protesters who had been protesting on the streets of the national capital, were about to enter the PM’s House.
Interim govt in Bangladesh
Hours after her resignation, Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman said that he would “form an interim government” after the prime minister resigned and fled Dhaka in the face of overwhelming protests.
“I am taking full responsibility,” the army chief said, dressed in military fatigues and cap, although it was not immediately clear if he would head an interim government.
Read more: Bangladesh’s Army Chief Announces To Form Interim Government
“We will form an interim government,” the general said in a broadcast to the nation on state television, adding that Sheikh Hasina had resigned.
He said the country had suffered a lot, the economy had been hit, and many people had been killed — it was time to stop the violence.
The army chief expressed hope that after his speech, the situation will improve.
